Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Penn State University's Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking Technical Engineering Specialists to join its Deployables and Undersea Connectivity (DUC) Department. DUC develops and advances technical methods and devices for connecting platforms in the undersea domain, bridging the sea-air boundary, and enabling tethered and untethered communications between stationary or moving undersea platforms to address challenging undersea communications problems. The position is fully on-site in State College, Pennsylvania, and requires periodic travel to remote locations. Depending on the level at which the position is filled, the role may include technical guidance and task direction for less experienced personnel. ARL supports the Navy, the Department of Defense, and the Intelligence Community through research and development of solutions to scientific, engineering, and technology challenges. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain a government security clearance. Employment requires successful completion of background checks, participation in ARL's drug testing program, and compliance with monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. The work takes place in secure environments that may include Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information, and Classified information.

Requirements

Associate degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
For the Advanced Professional level: 4 or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
For the Intermediate Professional level: 2 or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
High capability in complex electro-mechanical component, subsystem, and system assembly, disassembly, inspection, testing, design, and troubleshooting.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and adhere to detailed electro-mechanical assembly procedures.
U.S. citizenship.
Eligibility to obtain a government security clearance and successful completion of required background checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience testing and troubleshooting fiber-optic cables and assemblies using OTDR and/or a power meter.
Experience performing mechanical or fusion splices, terminating connectors, and inspecting fiber-optic cable and connector components.
Very high attention to detail.
Proficient writing skills for preparing test procedures and reports.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; clearance eligibility may be subject to a government background investigation for upgrade if required.

Responsibilities

Perform assembly and fabrication of facility and test equipment.
Provide input to and perform design and layout of standard facility and test equipment as directed.
Inspect, test, and calibrate parts and equipment as directed.
Evaluate materials and components based on operational and performance specifications.
Assess and identify system faults, and adjust and repair as directed.
Assist senior technical and engineering staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data in laboratory or field settings.
Participate in test project support teams, including selected task leadership roles, in laboratory or field settings.
Develop and provide documentation for task procedures and process evaluation.
For the higher-level position, coordinate project activities, schedules, resource requirements, and technical solutions with engineers, scientists, project managers, machinists, technologists, and other technical personnel.
Participate in multidisciplinary laboratory and field tests, including data collection, system monitoring, and post-test analysis support.
Develop, maintain, and improve technical procedures, assembly instructions, test procedures, maintenance documentation, and laboratory operating practices.
Recommend improvements to fabrication processes, laboratory operations, testing methods, equipment reliability, and workflow efficiency.
Compile, organize, safeguard, and archive technical documentation, test data, calibration records, and project deliverables in accordance with laboratory records-management and sponsor requirements.
May provide technical guidance and task direction to less experienced engineering support personnel, students, or temporary staff during laboratory or field activities.